| Konko Church of San Francisco 1909 Bush St. San Francisco, CA 94115 Ph. (415)931-0453 Email: [email protected] |
 |
| Fall-Spring 2007 |
 |
| The original writing forms in China were ideograpms that were created some 5,000 years ago. The present day writing forms are called Kanji characters and were developed in China between 3,000 to 4,000 years ago and was introduced to Japan about 1,500 years ago. The Japanese alphabet, Hiragana and Katakana, were created from Kanji characters. Before Kanji came to Japan there were no written records in Japan. Through the introduction of Kanji, Hiragana and Katakana, Japan has been able to communicate with each other and also record Japan's past history. Japan has been able to receive so much benefits from these written forms. Shodo is a way of artistic writing; sho means writing, and do means way or path. A variety of brushes are used for writing Shodo. Practicing Shodo has many benefits. For instance, you can experience 4,000 years of Asian culture, and its historical and philosophical background. Shodo is good training for your mind, spirit and body, because it requires dexterity, concentration, and discipline, so that you can develop your inner Ki power. Shodo also is a creative art form that brings harmony and self discovery of life's journey. The use of your hands and fingers will stimulate your brain. I hope that you will be able to learn, enjoy, and share it with others. |
| Shin Shin Gakudo Shodo The Way of Mind, Spirit and Body Calligraphy By Sensei Masato Kawahatsu |
   |